ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN (Relief)

Posting number: 202600115

Department: Sheriff - Animal Control

Job classification: ANIMAL CARE TECHNICIAN

Posting type: External - Open

Categories: Animal Control, Animal Services

Summary
TWO (2) RELIEF POSITIONS AVAILABLESchedule will vary.
Performs a variety of skilled and unskilled duties in the general maintenance, care and disposal of animals. Cleans, sanitize kennels and cages, and handles difficult animals including domestic pets, wildlife and livestock. This position has direct contact with the public, often in emotionally charged situations. Provides information, explains procedures and laws and also assists with adoptions and reclaims. Performs related duties as assigned and works under the general direction of the Animal Care Technician Supervisor. This position is subject to overtime, holiday, and weekend assignments.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
            
 Receives general supervision from the Supervising Registered Veterinary Technician/Animal Shelter Supervisor.  Animal Care Technician exercises no direct supervision over staff. The Senior Animal Care Technician may exercise direct or general supervision over Animal Care Technician staff. Examples of duties(Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 
Animal Care Technician

• Receives domestic and wild animals to the County animal shelter from Animal Control Officers and the public; places animals in appropriate shelter areas according to species and special requirements.
• Conducts daily walk-throughs and count of animals.
• Provides care to impounded animals by providing food, water, baths, and comfort; observes animal behavior and health; isolates sick, quarantined, or injured animals; notifies supervisor or other staff members if an animal needs immediate veterinary care.
• Completes forms regarding the location, care, feeding, and disposition of shelter animals.
• Maintains animal shelter and night drop facilities, including cleaning and disinfecting kennels, cages, and equipment; washes dishes and laundry; takes out garbage; cleans office and restrooms; performs custodial and grounds maintenance.
• Provides guidance to the public in claiming lost animals or selecting pets for adoption; issues new and renewed dog licenses; collects various fees and fines, prepares daily deposits and maintains related records.
• Reviews adoption applications to ensure the appropriate placement of animals; counsels citizens regarding animal behavior and temperament.
• Provides effective customer service; responds to complaints and requests for information; assists in interpreting and applying regulations, policies, and procedures in response to inquiries and complaints from public.
• Orders and stocks animal food and shelter supplies and maintains inventory records.
• Participates in providing medical care, euthanasia and disposal of animals.
• Operates County vehicle to remove dead animals from the roadsides, transport sick/injured animals to veterinary clinics, pick up supplies, and deliver laboratory specimens; cleans and fuels vehicle as needed.
• Assists staff with medical exams, vaccinations, and euthanasia.
• Performs general office support work as required, including but not limited to preparing and distributing flyers, reports, and records, processing overdue bills, balancing and preparing deposits, data entry, copying and filing, and answering calls.
• Assists with shelter clinics and other shelter events.
• Attends training, meetings, and workshops as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• May assist Animal Control Officers as needed.
• May direct and assist community service workers in the handling of animals and performance of animal shelter work.
• May open and close shelter facilities at designated times of day.
• Performs related duties as assigned. 

QualificationsKnowledge of:
 
Animal Care Technician

• The Animal Care Technician position is the trainee level in this series. Individuals in this class are provided with on the job training and experience.
• Basic principles of animal behavior and humane care.
• Basic species and breed identification of a variety of domestic and common wild animals.

Ability to:

Animal Care Technician

• Learn, interpret, and apply federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances pertaining to the care, handling, treatment, and impounding of animals.
• Learn and apply policies and procedures related to shelter operations and animal care, feeding, handling, adoption, euthanasia, and disposal.
• Handle animals in a humane and compassionate manner.
• Respond calmly and effectively in emergency and stressful situations. 
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.   A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Equivalent to the completion of twelfth (12th) grade.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a euthanasia certification is highly desirable. 

Supplemental informationTechnical/Hard skills needed to be successful in this position:

• Animal Handling and Restraint Techniques

•  Safe and humane handling of domestic and wild animals, including aggressive or injured ones.

•  Sanitation and Disease Control Procedures

•  Knowledge of cleaning protocols, zoonotic disease prevention, and proper use of disinfectants.

•  Administering Medications and Vaccinations

•  Ability to follow veterinary instructions to give oral, topical, or injected medications.

•  Recordkeeping and Database Management

•  Using shelter software systems (e.g., Chameleon, ShelterBuddy) to maintain accurate records on animals.

•  Basic Animal First Aid

•  Ability to provide emergency care (e.g., wound treatment, CPR) until veterinary assistance is available.

•  Animal Behavior Observation and Assessment

•  Monitoring and recognizing signs of distress, illness, or aggression for proper care or intervention.

Interpersonal/Soft skills needed to be successful in this position:

• Empathy and Compassion

•  Treating animals and their owners with kindness, understanding, and patience—especially in difficult situations.

•  Communication Skills

•  Clearly and professionally interacting with the public, coworkers, volunteers, and veterinarians.

•  Team Collaboration

•  Working well in a team environment with shelter staff, animal control officers, and volunteers.

•  Problem-Solving

•  Thinking quickly and calmly to resolve issues such as animal escapes, medical emergencies, or public concerns.

•  Attention to Detail

•  Carefully following care instructions, noting changes in animal condition, and ensuring protocols are followed.

•  Emotional Resilience

•  Maintaining professionalism and mental well-being while dealing with emotionally difficult situations (e.g., euthanasia, neglect cases).